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Small Wyoming Ski Areas Struggle For Survival, But Have Hope

Small Wyoming ski resorts have been folding in the past decade, but there may be hope for their futures. [R495R, White Pine Ski Area] has now gone up for sale, while Antelope Butte may see a resurrection.

White Pine Ski Area, located in Pinedale, failed to open this winter. The Citizens To Save White Pine, a consortium of local business owners, purchased the ski area in 2010 and operated it last winter. However, they did not have the financial resources to open the ski area this winter.

After failing to convince the Sublette County Commissioners to purchase the ski area, the Citizens to Save White Pine have now listed White Pine Ski Area for sale at $1.4 million, according to the Pinedale Online. The ski area, which has two lifts and a rope tow, operates by a lease permit on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Locals are hoping a new owner will come forth to re-open the ski area by next winter. White Pine is now listed with Jay Fear Real Estate in Pinedale. Fine more information here or call 307-367-2494.

Antelope Butte, located in the Bighorn Mountains, first opened in 1962 and closed in 2005. Last summer, the Antelope Butte Foundation formed to resurrect the ski area. On Feb. 17, 2012, the organization submitted an application to the Bighorn National Forest for a special use permit to operate the ski area.

A multi-staged fundraising campaign is underway to make improvements to the ski area, which includes refurbishing the lifts and lodge as well as purchasing grooming machines and rental gear. Antelope Butte Foundation hopes to re-open the ski area by December 2012.

Ski history buffs can enjoy the early days at Antelope Butte in this Vimeo video by Josh Law:

For more information on the effort to resurrect Antelope Butte Ski Area, go here.